OPINION: Four years ago, Mitchell Starc broke Kiwi hearts when he bowled inspirational captain Brendon McCullum with the fifth ball of the 2015 World Cup final.
But come the early hours of the morning on July 15, Kane Williamson and his men will avenge that final when they lift the Cricket World Cup for the first time.
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New Zealand can win this year's edition of the tournament and here's why.
Batting depth:
The Blackcaps have three batsmen in their side who boast averages of over 45 in England: Martin Guptill (54), Kane Williamson (62), and Ross Taylor (46). They have all tasted success in the UK scoring two centuries each.
The trio will be a force to be reckoned with in batsmen-friendly conditions, expect one of them to score the most runs in the tournament.
To go with those three New Zealand has the match-winning potential of Colin Munro, Colin de Grandhomme and James Neesham.
Experience:
The Kiwi team has a perfect balance of experience in their side - the trio of Guptill, Williamson and Taylor combine for over 500 ODIs and over 20,000 runs.
Tim Southee and Trent Boult have combined for 332 wickets in the 50 over format.
Add to the mix the fearless batting style of Colin de Grandhomme, James Neesham and Colin Munro and the speed of Lockie Ferguson who is in the mix as the fastest bowler in the world right now - and you have the perfect mix to beat any side on any given day.
The state of other sides:
Englands this, England that is all I've heard pre-tournament - and maybe it's warranted but I don't buy it.
Yes they have been chasing 380 pre-tournament, but there's a reason why they have needed to, for all their great batting depth they lack any world class bowlers - do you seriously think Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood and Jofra Archer will lead them to a world cup?
They have lost far too much in the bowling department since the last World Cup Their front line bowling attack of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Stephen Finn are gone, and with it 549 wickets taken.
Australia:
They have a bigger conundrum at the top of the order then we do - Either David Warner or Usman Khawaja will miss out and not be named in their playing 11, there are far too many questions around that side.
Who will open? Who will be the fourth bowler? Will Finch be able to lead ahead of David Warner and Steve Smith? Will egos be kept in check? - and while they may fire and make a serious push, there are far too many unknowns and for that reason, I'm out.
That brings me to India, the team I fear the most and the team I think we will meet in the final.
Virat Kohli is the best batsmen in the world and enters the tournament as the odds on favourite to be the top run scorer, as does Jasprit Bumrah with the ball.
They are the ultimate side - there is nothing they don't have. Experience, the class with the bat and ball, explosive batting, and a hint of arrogance and swagger.
The Kiwi side can go all the way and I think they will big scores from Guptill and consistency from Williamson and Taylor will steer us on our way.
Boult, Henry, Southee and co will take wickets on flat decks, but ultimately I think the role James Neesham plays will be key to our deep tournament run.
Luke Robinson is an online sports producer for Newshub.
Join us for live updates of the Blackcaps' opening match of the World Cup from 9:30pm on Saturday June 1.
